Cushioned handle bar



Patented Sept. 19, 1944 lcuspniostn material f SchWinn,"Ql1icago,

applicati@ January 5, 1942,- serial No. 425,600

, Y 4 Claims.

This invention relates to bicycle or like handle# bars and moreparticularly concerns a novel han# dlebarf construction which iscushioned against road shocks and vibrations, Y

4Heretofore it has been proposed. tor cushion bi'- cy'cle handlebarscompletely by interposing a ring of rubber' between the handlebar andthe clamp-L ing eye of the bicycle steeringpost. Such expe-- dientrequiressubstantial` clearance between the handlebar and` the clamping'eyein order to accommodate the layer of rubber. Moreover, the rubbermust be protected against uneven compression orrdamage by the'v clampingeye, which has necessitated the prvision of a metal ferrule or sleeveencasing' the rubber sleeve. This requires additional clearance. Asv aresult, some part associated with the cushion must be altered in size'from conventional standardsrin order to afford the` necessary clearance.Enlargement of the clamping eye of the Isteering po'st has been resortedto,l but such deviation from accepted standards unreasonably increasescost and limits application of the cushioned handlebar. Morever, thelimited size of the rubber ring has been a serious handicap tocushioningeiciency.

`rWhereas in prior cushioned hancllebars clearance for the thicknessofthe cushioning rubber was provided eitherby enlarging the clamping eye-beyond standard or by ensmalling the central region of the handlebaratpthe clamping eye and thereby weakening it, inthe' cushionedhandlebar. of my present invention both the eye and the centralhandlebar region,A or clamping seat, are left of standard size. Yet myhandlebar does not appear-'on casual view-to be conspicuously unlike theusual handlebar, and preserves the ing area as compared to priorcushions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bicycle handlebarwhich is formed from a number of components which are premanently unitedby the saine means which function as the'sh'ock' (Cl.2,87 -8157) l andvibrationjabsorbing cushions ofthe handle; bar.' s yf 15'- .Stillanotherobject ofthe invention is to" pro"-` vide ahandlebar thatJ can, ifdesired, bea'.ssenr1"^ V l bled with the' clamping' ey'e ofrthe Steeringpost.

,without threading the" handlebar through the @yal 1 Anothercbject istoiprc'vide afsimple-y and inr-A expensive' method of, and iineansfor,makingV a cushioned handlebar. A-

- Other/objects land-advantagesroi the invention will beapparen-t fromthev following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similarl characters of reference indicatev similar partsthroughout'theseveralviewerg Referringtothe drawingsff l 5 Fig.` 1visa.perspective View o'f'y a handleba-r em= bodying theY lfeatures:ofr'niy invntin, assembled with alconventionalsteeringpost; H Fig. 2 isa fragmentary enl'argfedlongitudinal sectionalvi'ew' throughthe centerportion 'of the handlebar 4showing details of the c'ushior'I-cor---Ane'tion` between the handle' grinsectio'ns and the clamps/cati v .Y 1 I".'fFig' 3' is a frag-mental longitufdinal sectional view, *showing-a-vportion-ofthe handlebar, and cooperating apparatus for placing thecushionconnection, the' parts being at an`|` intermediate stage in theassembly operation;i i

30 Fligfi is a longitudinal-sectional viewsimilar Fig. f5 isairaggmentary VLi1o'ngitudi'nal .'s'ectinal view throughsthemideprtfonof a Inode'd forni of the handlebar;A Y Fig. Bis a vertical' se'cztionalview taken subA` stantially along the-line BLS ofFig. 5;y

Figa'z 'is anffexplodedassembly view or the mo'died forni off theinvention of Figi. 5 and 40 -Eig.- 8 s-auflragnentary sideelevationallView,

partially broken away t expose certainy details; afa slight variant 'ofmeneame@- kfn f Fig 5. 'A handiebar vl o (Figi. 1 embbdyingt features'of my invention may b'e"- )f` the'fkstyle whic adiiptedy to be threadedintoY placend througiia conventionele-rainning eye i6 at the end` `of agos'eneck exten-siniz or a iii-- cycle steeringpostl, Y l f f f f Inaccordance with thepresent iii-vention',` the handlebar f' is preferablymadeffromjalpl'urality ofy sections wl1ich ^'are.per 1y yQconnekjt'edtd'- gether by mearsfilat, on .al'sdlas'theshdk and vibrationabsorbing'. media fof vthe handelaar. 'ro ,this eriagthhndiebaicinrissia 1ere'. aria guiar-me,gnpseeud [41am separately formedA1; its'epposite ends' the seat member n isV formed with identicalcoaxial terminals or arms I8 which are of substantial length and ofsubstantially smaller outside diameter at their base than the insidediameter of the handle gripsections I4 and I5. Each of the armsAIB isfurther end, resulting in a substantially -frusto-conical shape,

Throughout their major extent, the arms I8 are telescoped intotherespective tubular end por-V tions of the handle grip sections I4.and I5, with; the opposing surfaces ofthe armsA and the handle `gripsections entirely spaced concentrically. A substantial spacing is alsomaintained between the' extremities of the sections I4 and I5 and theadjacent ends of the cylindrical body of the seat member I1; `The spacedrelation of the partsis f maintainedby shock Yand vibration absorbingcushions I9 formed from resilientmateriallsuch as. rubber. VThe cushionsI9 are bonded to all engaged surfaces `and thus secure the handle gripsections I r4A .and I 5 "permanently to the' respective arms I8.';1Thematerial for the connecting cushions I9 should be selected Vforamplevdensity and tensile strength so that the cushions will adequately;resist yieldablyforc'es encountered in use which wouldv tend to separatethe parts by pulling or twisting actionand which will beof properVresiliency for eiiicient cushioning.

l, In assembly the seat member I'I will be held rigidly by the VeyeAclamp II.v However, each of thek handle grip sections I4 and I5 maymoveindependently of the seat member I1 and of each assess? doughylcondition into the concentric spaces be- ,Y

tween the connecting arms I8 and the respective surrounding end,portions' of the handlebar sections,V and then curing the-rubber.'j'lhis method is carried out while the handlebar sections I4 and I5 areAstill in straight tubular condition and before they are bent into thedesired characteristic l handlebarshape.

l AL f SimpleA apparatus for carrying out the method of uniformlydiminishing diameter toward its other inlall ,directions relative to theconnecting certain, though possibly more, limited amount of f movementin an axial directionis alsopermitted.

Hence, the handlebarv sections have practically universalmovementrelative to the connecting arms I 8and are lcushioned againstshocks and Vibrations which might otherwise be transmitted from thelatter in the use ofthe bicycle. The resiliency of thecushions I9 causesthem to act as springs, combining the attributes of both torsion springand compression springs,.to return theassociated handlebar sections tonormal position relative to the seat member I1.

It may be noted that by reason of the inwardly tapered structure of theconnecting arms I8, the cushions I9 are thickest at their inner endsYfor more effectively withstanding compressive and tensioning forcesresulting from rocking of the associatedhandlebar sections I4 and I5about diametric axes. A

, As a precaution against possible contact of the extremities of thehandlebar'sections I4 and I5 witlithe cylindrical clamp seat portion ofthe member'. I1 or the encircled largerv diameter base portions' of theconnecting arms I8, cushioning beadsj20 are formed integral; withthe'cushion's 'I9 within the space between the handlebar'sectionextremities andthe ends of theV clamp' seat A15 `23 (Figs. 3 and 4).

comprises a pilot bar or rod 22 and a tubular ram One end of the pilotrod 22 has a reduced diameter centering pin 24 which is dimensioned to tslidably into the socket provided by the tubular. end of aselected oneofthe connecting arms I8. 4A' shoulder 25 on Vthe bar fits snuglyLagainst the extrem-ity of thel arm. From the shoulder 25, Ithe pilotbar 22 tapers in continuation of the conical plane of the engaged arm I8to provide a head 26 4extending for a limited distance to mergewiththemain stem of the rod, which is Yof considerably smaller diameterthanthe ,encircling Vhandlebar tube.

The ram 23-has a tubularhead 21 whichvis internally proportioned toreceive the pilot head 2 6 snugly and has a blunt ram nose 28 whichextends flush with Athe shoulder 25 whenl the heads are in snuginterengagement. The Vdiameter ofthe ram 23`is=such that ithas closeslidinggt with the inner wallY of the handlebar tube. Operation of theramming apparatus is sub-` stantially as follows:V After the handlebarltube (the sectionpl4jhas been selected for illustration in Figs. 3 and4) andthe seatmember I1 have. beenY placed in a suitable jig (not shown)with the connecting arms I8 in proper telescopedposition `within the endportion of the handlebartube, the pilot vrod; 22 I is placed.A inposition with the heady 26 `closing the opening throughthe end of theconnecting arm.; Then a charge of doughy rubber, which is eithercarried'by the Yrod 22 or is inserted into the space between the rodand theinterior of the handlebar tube, isdriven down the handlebar tube Aby'theram .-2.3, as shown in Fig. 3. i The ramming action is.; continued'until the rubber mass is forced into complete occupation of theYannular cushion :space between the connecting arm I8 and the., handlebartube.

Because of the -tapered formation of the con. necting arm I8,andptherefore the gradually diminishing area of the cushionfspaceintofwhich the rubber is forced, a substantialand increasing backpressure is created as vtl'i e rarnming` progresses, which assuresthorough compacting of the rubber and proper density for the purposeintended.

When the ram 23 hasbeenr driven home, as shown in Fig. 4, the excess .ofrubber will exude from the end of the handlebar tube tov form fthecushioning bead 20, and theuniformity :of extrusion of thebead will bean indication of the uniformity of the`,main body of the'cushion insidethe tube. The'fpilot rod and the ram are then removed and thev processrepeated with the oppositesectionof the handlebariunle'ss the apparatusis set up 'tofas'semble lboth of theV handlebar sections 'I4' and I5'atthe same time),

kand after completion, the assembly is removed to for which 78 eye clampH.

\ gasses?" trie` medi-nea fonn of die invention shown infligs'. 5 ,-"6and *1;*l mi'ilarly as in the-previously described form, the'fhandlegripY sections of :the handlebar are cushioned against? 4shock andvibration llindependently of #each other and are se''rd fto A`the'fassociate'd' 'eye clamp 1 seat means by the cushioning means =Ihemodified handlebai"` comprises identically constructed. butcompleme'ntary left vand right handlebar sections or arns3i`- and-3|,Arespectively, each `of which. is secured at its inner extremity as bybuttwelding- 32 4te theend' cfa-short tubular stem 33 formedconcentrically integral with an axially facing, radially extendingflange 34 of substantial area. The flanges 34 may betwo and a half tothree times as great inV diameter as the handlebar tube,

inch tubing may be used.

A concentric spaced relationship of the flanges 34 is determined by aclamp seat structure 35 which includes flat, axially facing annularflanges 31 lcomplementary to and opposing the anges 34. The opposingpairs of flanges 34, 31 are secured in spaced, face-to-face relation bymeans of identical resilient cushions 38 which are preferably disk ringsof rubber intimately bonded directly to the engaged faces of theflanges.

The density and tensile strength of the material of the connectingcushions 38 is such that the flanges 34 may rock to a limited extentrotatively relative to the associated iianges 31 as well as about anydiametrical axis. `The resiliency of the rubber cushions causes them toact as torsion springs to return the flanges to normal when relieved ofthe forces which have caused the rocking movement thereof. Moreover, dueto the complete separation of the opposing flanges 34 and 31 and theirentire dependence upon the interposed resilient cushions 38 for union,limited relative axial movement of the anges is -permitted bycompression or stretching of the shocks or vibrations which mightotherwise be transmitted from the clamp seat 35 to the handle-V bar arms30 and 3| are effectually dampened.

In order to facilitate optional assembly of the handlebar with the eyeclamp Il in a manner which will avoid the conventional threading of thehandlebar through the clamping eye in either assembly or disassemblyoperations, the clamp seat 35 is formed of axially separable telescopingmembers. To this end, one of the flanges 31 is formed with an axial,tubular shank 39 which is preferably of substantially the same rexternaldiameter as a conventional clamp seat ferrule so as to be snuglyembraced by the eye clamp I I when the latter is tightened. The otherflange 31 is formed with an axial tubular shank 40 of approximately thesame external diameter as the internal diameter of the shank 39 intowhich the shank 40 is adapted to fit in slidabletelescopic relation.

Thorough gripping of the shank 40 against longitudinal separation fromthe shank 39 is assured by providing the shank 39 with a plurality oflongitudinal slots 4I which separate it into a plurality of relativelyyieldable segments that are driven tightly against the periphery of theshank 40 by the pressure exerted by the Relative rotary movement of theShanks 39 and 40 is prevented by means such as a longitudinal inwardlyextending bead 42 formed in one of the segments of the shank 39 tudinalgroove 43 formed in the shank 40. `*The bead andfgroovelfarrangement"alsoassures proper relativer"iadiju'strrient' of ithe :handlebar-sections. 39:

and 3|,iduri-ngas'semblyf.I.:Y

relationship of the clamp .seat shanks, a threaded connection'v may :beprovided. asjshown .in Fig. 8. Thusithe outer shank, identified-.by the?numeral- 44, .be :formed .with -internal 1 threads .4 5,; to engageexternalzthreads 41 Vformed: on the kinner. shank; videntified-bylthenumeral. 43. ;I, |ongitudirial slotsagiri-.the outer1shank44.assure-.through gripping of the inner shank 48 to hold the same againstrelative rotary movementY after the clamping eye has been tightenedagainst the seat It will be apparent that the novel handlebarconstruction of my present invention is more effectively protectedagainst shocks and vibra-y tion because each handle grip section isseparately'insulated by a generously proportioned absorbing cushion. Aspecial advantage of the rel- Y atively large engagement areas of thecushions resides in the practicability of thereby securing the handlegrip sections to the clamp seat structure solely by the cushions, thusavoiding the use ofany interconnecting structure of a typeV throughwhich vibration might be transmitted from the steering post through theclamp seat to the handle grip sections. It may also be noted that theseimprovements and refinements have been incorporated in the handlebar insuch a manner as to enable use of the handlebar with a conventionalstandard size of steering post clamp, thus rendering the handlebaravailable for practically unlimited use.

In the one form of theinvention, moreover, conventional threading of thehandlebar through the clamping eye of the steering post is dispenseelwith in favor of an improved manner of assembly.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications, andalternative constructions, I have shown. in the drawings and have hereindescribed in detail certain preferred embodiments, but it is to beunderstood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to thespeciiic forms disclosed, but intend to cover al1 mod.- ications andalternative` constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as expressed in the following claims.

I claim: Y

1. In a cushioned connection between the cylindricalclamp seat member ofa handlebar and Separately formed handlebar arm sections havingcylindrically tubular ends lying immediately adjacent to the ends of theclamp seat member: reduced diameter prolongations formed integral withthe ends of said clamp seat member, said prolongations being received,in concentrically spaced relation, within the cylindrically tubular endsof the arm sections, and a sleeve of resilient cushioning materialfilling the space between each said prolongation and its associatedtubular arm section, each said prolongation tapering away from the clampseat memberl so that each sleeve end lying away from the clamp seatmember is of substantially greater wall thickness than the sleeve endslying adjacent to the clamp seat member.

2. A cushioning connection,V as recited in claim 1, wherein the sleevesof resilient cushioning material are bonded to the handlebar armsections and the prolongations of the clamp seat member, and haveintegral beads lying betweenthe clamp which 'fi'ts'zslidablyl into? a`A:complementary :longiev Instead of aidngitudinauy. siidabie interntnng`so that the sleeve end lying away from said second 'element is ofsubstantiallyv greater wall thickness than the sleeve end-lying adjacentto said second element. Y v 1 4. A cushioningconnection, as recited inclaim `3, wherein the sleeve of resilient cushioning ma- Serial isbonded to said tubular end portion and said prolongation and has anintegral bead lying outwardly of the tubular end portion and betweensaid tubularend portion and the second element. y

FRANK W; SCHWINN.

